Case Studies

Learn how example students at Mount St. Joseph University made earning a degree affordable with financial aid.

There are several things you should consider when evaluating college costs:

Time-to-degree

Financial aid options

Out-of-pocket expenses

Available tax credits

The total cost of your education includes:

Tuition

Room and board

Books

Fees

Transportation

Personal expenses

Families are unique and so are their financial needs. These four case studies portray different scenarios of financial need and total aid packages.

Case Study: Julie

Julie lives close to the Mount and has decided she would like to continue living at home while in college. She is from a family of four, whose parents have a combined income of $60,000 and very little savings.

Per Year

Tuition and fees

$25,800

Books and other expenses

$4,000

Total commuter student budget

$29,800

Expected family contribution

-$5,200

Total financial need

$24,600

Based on her academic record and her financial need, Julie received the following aid package:

Elizabeth Seton Scholarship and Mount Grant

$17,000

Federal Student Loans

$6,100

College Work Study

$1,500

Total Aid

$24,600

Case Study: Michael

Michael works a part-time job at his neighborhood library, so he plans to commute. His parents are both retired.

Per Year

Tuition and fees

$25,800

Books and other expenses

$4,000

Total commuter student budget

$29,800

Expected family contribution

-$2,500

Total financial need

$27,300

Based on his academic record and his financial need, Michael received the following aid package:

Mount Opportunity Award and Mount Grant

$9,500

Federal and State Grants

$3,095

Loans

$6,500

College Work Study

$1,500

Total Aid

$20,595

Case Study: Adam

Adam lives about three hours from the Mount so living in the residence hall is a must. His parents both work outside the home, earning a total income of $175,000. They have savings of $30,000.

Per Year

Tuition and fees

$25,800

Room and Board

$8,080

Books and other expenses

$2,000

Total resident student budget

$33,832

Expected family contribution

-$35,880

Total financial need

$0

Because Adam’s expected family contribution exceeds his cost of attendance, he won't receive need-based aid. However, he will receive the following aid:

Merit Award

$10,000

Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan

$5,500

Total Aid

$15,500

Case Study: Katie

Katie would like to live on campus. She has several brothers and sisters. Her father died several years ago, and her mother has to support the family with her earnings and the Social Security benefits the family receives. Katie has a minimum wage, part-time job that helps her cover her own incidental expenses.

Per Year

Tuition and fees

$25,800

Room and Board

$8,080

Books and other expenses

$2,000

Total resident student budget

$35,880

Expected family contribution

$0

Total financial need

$35,880

Based on her academic record and her financial need, Katie received the following aid package: